Media Contact: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Communications Manager
Direct: 352.291.9559 Mobile: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (March 17, 2025) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 4.8% in January, 0.7 percentage point more than in December 2024 and half a percent higher than the region’s year ago rate of 4.3%.
According to preliminary employment data released today by FloridaCommerce, the labor force was 233,823, an expansion of 2,306 over the month and an increase of 4,224 compared to January 2024. There were 222,501 employed residents across the three-county area, an increase of 398 since the previous month and 2,875 more over the year. There were 11,322 unemployed residents in the region, up 1,908 over the month and 1,349 more than January 2024.
Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s CEO noted that since FloridaCommerce recalibrates employment data during the month of February for the previous calendar year, “it is best to compare the January 2025 data with both the December 2024 and January 2024 data.”
“From (January) a year ago and December, our labor force and employment numbers have shown growth, with Marion showing the largest,” Skinner said. “In each case, unfortunately, the number of unemployed, as well as the percentage has increased, largely reflecting seasonal shifts.”
Skinner pointed out that in January, all of Florida’s counties experienced unemployment rate increases over the month and year except Miami-Dade which was unchanged compared to December 2024 and Taylor County which dropped slightly compared to the previous January.
“What is important to remember is that jobs are available in our area,” he said. “For those who find themselves needing additional skills for the jobs they seek, CareerSource CLM has funds to help gain those skills.”
For January 2025, Levy County continued to post the region’s lowest jobless rates at 4.4%, up half a percent over the month and year, followed by Marion County at 4.6%, up 0.7 percentage point over the month and 0.4 percentage point more compared to January 2025. Citrus County’s rate of 5.8% was 1.1% higher than the previous month and 0.8 percentage point increase over the year.
Florida’s not seasonally adjusted rate, which matches how local rates are determined, was 3.7%, up half a percent over the month and year.
Citrus County’s labor force of 54,052 expanded by 598 over the month and 601 over the year. The county had 50,933 workers in January, an increase of 12 compared to the previous month and 156 more compared to January 2024. There were 3,119 unemployed, 586 more over the month and 445 more over the year.
Levy County’s labor force was 19,201, an increase of 148 over the month and expansion of 276 compared to the previous January. There were 18,357 employed, 38 more than in December 2024 and an increase of 168 over the year. The county had 844 unemployed residents, which was 110 over the month and 108 compared to January 2024.
Marion County’s labor force was 160,570, up 1,560 over the month and 3,347 more than January 2024. There were 153,211 employed, an increase of 348 compared to the previous month and 2,551 more over the year. The county had 7,359 unemployed, an increase of 1,212 over the month and 796 more than January a year ago.
In January, Citrus County held the third highest jobless rate among Florida’s 67 counties. Marion County tied at 13th with Flagler, Hardee, Indian River, Putnam and Washington counties. Levy County ranked 23rd along with Gadsen, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Suwanee and Volusia counties.
Nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 124,200, an increase of 2,400 jobs (+2.0%) over the year.
Industries that grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year were: Mining, Logging, and Construction (+5.1%); Government (+3.7%); Financial Activities (+2.3%); Leisure and Hospitality (+1.4%); and Professional and Business Services (+0.9%).
The Ocala MSA had the third fastest annual job growth rate compared to all other metro areas in the state in the Mining, Logging, and Construction industry which added 500 jobs over the year.
Other industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services (+600 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+300 jobs); Leisure and Hospitality (+200 jobs); Financial Activities (+100 jobs); Professional and Business Services (+100 jobs); and Other Services (+100 jobs).
The Manufacturing industry was unchanged over the year and the Information industry lost 100 jobs.
Nonagricultural jobs in the Homosassa Springs MSA, which covers all Citrus County, was 36,000, an increase of 100 jobs (+0.3%) over the year. The Government industry gained 100 jobs.
Due to annual benchmarking conducted by FloridaCommerce in February, the region’s preliminary employment summary for February will be released on Friday, March 28.
For more details about January’s job numbers, access the FloridaCommerce employment information for the CSCLM area here: January 2025 Employment Data
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Looking for a New Career in the new year? Here’s Help
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion offers in-person job fairs, hiring events, workshops and facilities for job searches, training grants for eligible candidates, career development and one-on-one consulting – all at no charge to those seeking employment. Call 800-434-JOBS (5627) or visit careersourceclm.com to learn more. Career Centers are open for self-service and in-person assistance weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Searching for New Hires?
CareerSource CLM also provides fee-free services to help build and sustain businesses in today’s challenging marketplace. Services include recruitment, assessment, screening, and referrals of qualified job candidates; logistics, coordination, and promotion of customized hiring events; and grants and incentives for training new hires and existing employees. Call 800-746-9950 to learn more.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a member of CareerSource Florida and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $15.4 million (revised annually). Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other applicable documents are fully funded from federal sources.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. If you need accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or e-mail [email protected]. Please make request at least three business days in advance. Stay connected with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion on Facebook, Jobs352, YouTube and LinkedIn.